Curtin Sarawak’s geology symposium this September to focus on current and future energy solutions

Miri – 18 June, 2009 – Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) will be hosting the Curtin Sarawak 1st Symposia on Geology 2009 with the theme ‘Current and Future Energy Solutions’ at its campus here on 5 September 2009.

The symposium is being organised by Curtin Sarawak’s Department of Science & Mathematics and is one of several events being held to mark the university’s tenth anniversary this year.

Its focus will be the production of hydrocarbons in the context of the environment. Since many oil and gas fields in northwest Borneo put into production in the early 1970s are through the first part of their economic lifetime, future production solutions such as water flood and enhanced oil recovery methodology will be discussed. The overriding factor in the discussions will be the reconciliation of economic prerogatives with the needs of a future world.

According to organising chairman Professor Franz-Luitpold Kessler, the unmanaged release of carbon dioxide twenty years from now would be unthinkable – be it for oil, gas or coal – and more environment-friendly and sustainable solutions have to be found.

“Fortunately, Sarawak is in the enviable position of turning a problem into an opportunity as it is blessed with large gas fields and there is a huge potential for carbon dioxide sequestration,” he said, adding that since oil, gas and coal deposits are fast depleting and will run out one day, carbon dioxide sequestration just might be the business of the future.

The symposium secretariat is currently calling for papers and areas of specialisation will be oil, gas and coal; enhanced oil recovery; combining energy resources; CO2 sequestration; sustainability and alternative energy. Abstract details are to be submitted by 31 June 2009 and must be a maximum of 500 words with suitable keywords, while the deadline for full paper submissions is 1 August 2009.

In line with its theme, presentations at the symposium will deal with solutions for the environmentally-responsible production of hydrocarbons and how existing infrastructure can be used for carbon dioxide sequestration in depleted gas fields.

The symposium is open to anyone interested in primary, secondary and enhanced hydrocarbon recovery and carbon dioxide sequestration technology applications. Registration for participation will be from 1 July to 15 August 2009.

For full details of the symposium or to download the conference pamphlet, visit the 1st Symposium on Geology 2009 website at www.curtin.edu.my/SG12009/index.html. Further information can also be obtained by calling the Symposium Secretariat at +60 85 443826, faxing to +60 85 443837, or sending an e-mail to sg12009@curtin.edu.my.